On March 12th, the Sandpoint High School band held a concert in the school’s auditorium in order to help prepare for their upcoming competitions. The concert was to spread awareness of said competitions, and to showcase their talents.

Junior Janice Aylward plays the trombone in both Symphonic band and Jazz I.

“We performed well but there’s definitely some things that we could improve on” Aylward said of the recent concert.

On March 18th, the band traveled to North Idaho College, in Coeur d’Alene in an event called “Large Group.” They competed with other high school bands from northern Idaho. They are scored on both their performances and their appearance. In the past, the band has mainly received superiors, which is the highest score one can obtain.

Symphonic and Concert band both received superior ratings, and the Symphonic band performed better than most of the bands at Large Group.

Finally, on April 9th through the 12th, the band will travel to Seattle, Washington for the annual Heritage Festival.

This is a much larger competition involving many other high school bands in the Pacific North West. The last time band went to the Heritage Festival was four years ago, and they swept the whole competition.

In order to raise money for this trip, Wood’s donates meat at the beginning of each school year to the Bulldog Band Boosters, who in turn hold a meat raffle for 100% profit. The band instructor, Mr. Gordon, also orders many chocolate bars that each band members sells for one dollar a bar throughout the community.

“I’m really excited to go [to the Heritage Festival] because it’s a great bonding experience and it’s a lot of fun since you get to know people outside of your social circle.”

Gallery • 3 Photos

Sarah Almeida